Everything You Need to Know Before Turning Your Tub Into a Shower

Aging in place is something many older adults hope for. But the bathroom often becomes the biggest barrier to independence. Slippery surfaces, high step-over tub walls and limited stability create a high risk, especially for seniors with mobility challenges. Traditional bathtubs simply pose one of the biggest fall risks at home. 

This is why tub-to-shower conversions are slowly becoming popular. More people than ever want a safe, walk-in bathing space that eliminates climbing and reduces the chance of falls. However, many homeowners don’t want a full demolition, weeks of remodeling or the high cost of replacing an entire bathtub.

Quick Tub® provides a unique, affordable and fast solution: creating an accessible cut-out directly into your existing bathtub. With the Quick Tub® Walk-Thru Insert Kit, Full Bathtub Conversion Kit and optional Cap, you can transform your traditional bathtub into a walk-in tub shower without remodeling. Let’s break down everything you need to know before converting your bathtub into a shower.

What Is a Walk-In Tub?

A walk-in tub allows users to enter the bathing area without climbing over a high bathtub wall. Traditional bathtubs can have walls over 14 to 20 inches high, which can be difficult and dangerous for seniors or people with mobility limitations.

A walk-in tub reduces this height dramatically, often down to a few inches. With Quick Tub®, your existing bathtub becomes a walk-in tub shower, offering safer, easier access and allowing you to continue using the tub or shower, depending on the configuration you choose.

What Is a Tub Cut-Out?

A tub cut-out is a section of the bathtub wall that is carefully removed to create a low-entry access point. The installer uses a precision guide to cut an opening into the existing tub shell, then fits a molded insert inside the cutout to create a smooth, durable step-through entrance. Quick Tub® inserts are available in two categories:

• Walk-Thru Insert Kit

The Quick Tub® Walk-Thru Insert makes a walk-in opening while keeping the tub usable as a shower alowing for easy step in access. When paired with the Optional Quick Tub® Cap, this combination functions as the Full Bathtub Conversion Kit

• Full Bathtub Conversion Kit

The Quick Tub® Full Bathtub Conversion Kit is a combination of the Walk-Thru Insert and Quick Tub Cap giving you the both of best worlds. The Insert creates a permanent deep opening for full shower access and the Quick Tub Cap allows you to use it as a fully functional bathtub when necessary. 

• Optional: Quick Tub® Cap

This is what makes Quick Tub® truly unique, when paired with the Walk-Thru Insert, the Quick Tub® Cap seals the opening and restores full bathing capability. You can purchase the Cap at any time, today, tomorrow, or years later. The option to turn your cut-out back into a fully functional bathtub is always available.

No other tub-to-shower conversion kit offers this flexibility.

How Does a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Work?

Most homeowners assume they need to fully replace the tub with a new shower, involving demolition, plumbing relocation and new walls. But with Quick Tub®, you can perform a bath to shower conversion in only a few hours. Here’s how it works:

1. No matter if you install it yourself or have somebody install it for you, first you need to mark the tub wall based on the Quick Tub® template.
2. Now you need to make a precise cut in the front wall of the bathtub.
3. Next the custom insert is bonded and sealed into the cut-out.
4. Edges are smoothed, waterproofed and finished.
5. The optional cap allows transitioning back to a bathtub.

This converts your bathtub to a shower safely and affordably, without major demolition or construction.

Differences Between Inserts vs. a Full Remodel

If you’re unsure whether a bathroom tub-to-shower conversion fits your lifestyle, think about how often your bathtub is used for soaking versus showering. Many homeowners find that once they evaluate their routines, they realize their tub goes largely unused. This makes a bathtub-to-shower conversion a smart and practical improvement. Especially compared to a full remodel, a tub-and-shower combo offers different advantages. 

One additional major advantage of using a Quick Tub® insert instead of a full remodel is how easy it is to maintain long-term. The molded insert is non-porous, simple to clean and designed to withstand everyday use without cracking, peeling or staining. Unlike tile-and-grout shower remodels that require constant upkeep, an insert maintains its clean look with minimal effort, making it a practical choice for seniors and busy households.

Who Benefits Most From This Solution?

• Seniors and elderly adults who want to maintain their mobility.
• People with physical limitations or temporarily reduced mobility (e.g., after surgery).
• Families who want the flexibility to switch between a bathtub and a shower depending on their needs.
• Caregivers, since the lowered entry makes assistance much easier and safer.

Bathrooms are the number-one place where seniors experience falls, largely because stepping over a traditional bathtub wall demands balance, strength, coordination and flexibility. For older adults, especially those with arthritis, limited mobility or reduced vision, this simple movement can become a major hazard.

A tub-to-shower conversion addresses this problem by lowering the entry threshold to just a few inches, making the bathtub dramatically easier and safer to access. This reduced step height accommodates walkers and canes, supports caregivers during bathing assistance and significantly decreases bathroom fall risks. It does all of this without needing to fully replace the tub with a shower.

For many seniors, this upgrade isn’t just about convenience. It can be the key factor that allows them to maintain independence rather than rely on daily help.

Creating a Safer, More Accessible Bathroom Starts With One Simple Change

Upgrading a traditional bathtub into a safer walk-in bathing space doesn’t have to involve construction dust, weeks of inconvenience or a major investment. With the versatility of Quick Tub® inserts, homeowners can achieve a safer, more functional bathroom that supports independence, comfort and long-term usability. 

Whether the goal is aging in place, helping a loved one stay safe or simply modernizing the space, turning your tub into a walk-in shower is a smart, impactful improvement that transforms daily life.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions 

Can you convert a bathtub into a shower?

Yes, you can convert a bathtub into a shower using either a full remodel or a Quick Tub® insert. Inserts create a low step-through opening without removing the tub. This makes the conversion faster, cleaner and far more affordable.

How much does it cost to have a tub turned into a shower?

A traditional remodel can cost several thousand dollars, depending on plumbing, tile and labor. In contrast, a Quick Tub® insert is a budget-friendly option that typically costs a fraction of a full renovation (kits start at $340). 

Do you have to move the drain in the tub for a shower conversion?

With a Quick Tub® insert, you usually do not need to move the drain because the existing bathtub structure stays in place. This eliminates major plumbing work. Full remodels, however, may require drain relocation depending on the new shower layout.

Does converting a tub to a shower hurt the resale value?

Converting a tub into a shower generally does not hurt resale value, especially if another bathtub remains in the home. Accessibility upgrades can even attract buyers who prioritize aging-in-place features.